TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The International Trade and Investment Mission Assistance Program of the Provincial Government of Tarlac–Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PGT-PCEDO) earned a Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners for empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete on a global scale.
Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Officer Marvi Dela Cruz and Board Member Carlito “Casada” David accepted the award during a ceremony at Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace.
The event was led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the presence of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
Launched during the term of then-Governor and now Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, the program has brought the province’s MSMEs to various countries, providing them exposure to modern technologies and business practices.
By facilitating access to global markets, it strengthens the capacity of local entrepreneurs to innovate, build resilience, and seize new growth opportunities.
Yap said the recognition is a proud moment for Tarlac, affirming the province’s commitment to inclusive economic development and its contribution to the country’s trade and investment landscape.
“Isang patunay na kapag binibigyan natin ng tamang oportunidad ang ating MSMEs, mas lalo silang nagiging handa at matatag sa pandaigdigang merkado (This proves that when we provide the right opportunities to our MSMEs, they become more prepared and resilient in the global market),” she emphasized.
The Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners honors programs and services that best serve the MSME sector and promote its development nationwide.
This year, aside from the PGT-PCEDO, four more institutions were recognized as outstanding development partners.
These include the city government of Iriga for Project R.E.X. (Reform for Ease and Excellence); the University of the Philippines–Institute for Small-Scale Industries for EntreLEAD: Entrepreneurial Learning and Advisory Development Hub; the Cagayan State University–Electromobility Research and Development Center for its Electromobility Research and Development Center or eMRDC Program; and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. for the Davao City Chamber of Commerce events.
The ceremony also featured the Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs, which honor trailblazers in the sector whose remarkable efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence and consistently demonstrate their commitment to growth, competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the country.
From nine finalists across three categories, the following were declared as this year’s awardees: Heaven’s Bakehaus and Enterprises from Northern Mindanao for the Micro Enterprise Category, Pasciolco Agri Ventures from CALABARZON for the Small Enterprise Category, and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. from Ilocos Region for the Medium Enterprise Category.
Moreover, special citations were awarded to enterprises demonstrating exemplary practices in areas such as digitalization and innovation, sustainability and resilience, community impact and inclusivity, export excellence, green economy practices, and customer experience excellence.
Organized annually by the DTI and the MSME Development Council, the event represents the highest recognition for Filipino MSMEs and development partners, honoring those who have shown outstanding performance and made a significant impact on the national economy. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
